BISHOP CONSECRATED

Patea Mail, 29 July 1936, Page 3

BISHOP CONSECRATED

AN IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY

SEVEN BISHOPS TAKE PART

The consecration of the. Von, Herbert St. Barbe Holland, M.A., as Fifth Bishop of Wellington. Diocese, took place in St. Paul’s Pro. Cathedral Wellington, on Sunday. The service of consecration was attended by seven Bishops, Archdeacons and ‘Canons and clergy of the Diocest. The kdrvice began with the first part of. the Communion Service, an impressive sermon being preached by the Vicar ‘General, Canon James, who took for his subject St. Paul’s words: “Who is .sufficient for these things.”

The Bishop elect was then presented to the Archbishop of New Zealand by two Bishops, the Bight Eevefrcmd Lord Bishop of Christchurch, and the Bight Bevcrcnd Lord Bishop of Waipu. The Archbishop then demandtd the mandate for the consecration, which mandate' 4s signed by all the) Bishops of the Province of New Zealand, including the Bishops of Melanesia and Polynesia. This mandate was read by the Chancellor of the Diocesci, Mr. E. T. Had field (a son of a forme’r Bishop.) The Litany was then recited by Bishop West Watson of Christchurch. At the dose of the Litamy, the examination of the. Bishop elect by the Archbishop who puts tho following quotations:— “Are you persuaded that you are truly called to this office.” “Will you faithfully exercise yodir sdf in the exercise of Holy Scripture.” Will you be ready to uphold God’s word.”

“Will you show yourself an example of good works.” “Will you rule the Diocese 'with the authority as committed to your charge.” The Bishop answers to all’ questions put by the Archbishop. Aftdr this questioning, the Bishop elect returned to the Vestry where ho put on the Episcopal robes, then re. turning to the Alter lie knelt whilst the Veni Creator was sung by the congregation verso by vcirse. The Bishops the® gathered round the kneeling Bishop all laying hands upon him, whilst the Archbishop repeats the words of the Consecration. The Clevut and solemn service made a great impression upon the largo congregation, Tho following took part. Archbishop AvcriU, Bishop T. H. Sprott, Bishop of Waipu, Bishop West Watson Christchurch, Bishop of Nelson, Bishop inljer. usalem, Bishop Bennett of Aoateroa, Bishop of Dunedin. The Holy Communion service was then taken and at the close of the service the procession led by the Archbishop with his Chap, lain amid other Bishops attended each one by! his Chaplain left the church, the Archdeacons, Canons, Clergy, Lay Officials all following. The new Bishop

was attended by the llciv., H. E. K. Pry ' who carried the Bishops Staff which had been presented in England by tho CTcrgy of the Warwick Archdeaconry. . The whole service lasted just two hours was an experience to many -people of the solemnity and dignity of the appointed service. It is of interest to all to know that tho service for the Coronation is founded upon the Prayer Service of Consecration of Bishops. I